If you’ve ever spotted a house centipede darting across your floor at night, you probably felt a mix of fear and disgust. These creepy, multi-legged creatures can move shockingly fast, and their sudden appearance often raises urgent questions: “Are house centipedes poisonous?” and “How do I safely get rid of them?”
What Are House Centipedes?
House centipedes are small, fast-moving arthropods that are often mistaken for dangerous pests due to their alarming appearance. However, once you understand their habits, lifecycle, and role in pest control, you might even appreciate their presence (well, maybe a little).
How to Identify House Centipedes
House centipedes are easily recognizable by their distinctive features:
- Length: 1-1.5 inches long (body only).
- Legs: Up to 15 pairs of long, delicate legs.
- Color: Yellowish-gray with three dark stripes running along their backs.
- Movement: Swift, often startling homeowners.
- Habitat: Commonly found in damp, dark areas like bathrooms, basements, and under sinks.
They are nocturnal hunters, meaning they’re most active at night, when they prey on minor household pests such as spiders, ants, and cockroaches. While their presence might be unsettling, they do help reduce unwanted bugs in your home.
House Centipedes vs. Other Pests
It’s important not to confuse house centipedes with other types of centipedes or pests. Unlike garden centipedes, which live outdoors and can harm plants, house centipedes prefer indoor environments and are not destructive to property. They are also not aggressive towards humans, making them far less threatening than their appearance might suggest.
Are House Centipedes Poisonous to Humans and Pets?
The word “poisonous” often gets thrown around when discussing house centipedes, but it’s essential to clarify the difference between venomous and poisonous.
- Venomous: House centipedes use venom to immobilize their prey (insects).
- Poisonous: They are not poisonous to humans or pets, meaning they don’t release toxins that can harm us upon touch or ingestion.
Do House Centipedes Bite?
Yes, house centipedes can bite, but it’s rare. Their tiny pincers are too weak to pierce most human skin. If they do manage to bite, the symptoms are mild and comparable to a bee sting:
- Pain: A localized, mild stinging sensation.
- Swelling: Slight redness or puffiness around the bite area.
- Duration: Symptoms usually subside within a few hours to days.
Are House Centipedes Dangerous to Pets?
House centipedes are harmless to most pets, like cats and dogs. Even if your pet eats one, it’s unlikely to cause any issues. However, if you notice an allergic reaction or unusual behavior from your pet, consult a veterinarian.
Comparison: House Centipede Bites vs. Bee Stings
Aspect House Centipede BiteBee Sting
Pain Level Mild, localized Moderate to severe
Duration : Hours to days , Days (longer if allergic)
Medical Need : First aid only , EpiPen if allergic
Poisonous? No No
Proven Cleaning Hacks to Banish House Centipedes Safely
Getting rid of house centipedes doesn’t require harsh chemicals or expensive pest control services. Below are natural, non-toxic cleaning hacks that are safe for your family and pets.
Natural Repellents
- Essential Oils: Essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus are effective at repelling centipedes.
- Mix 20-50 drops of your chosen oil with water in a spray bottle.
- Spray along baseboards, door frames, and other entry points.
- Diatomaceous Earth: This natural, food-grade powder dehydrates centipedes on contact. Sprinkle it in corners, cracks, and under furniture where centipedes are likely to hide.
Deep Cleaning Routines
A clean home is less attractive to centipedes. Follow this step-by-step cleaning routine to eliminate their hiding spots:
- Vacuum regularly: Focus on corners, baseboards, and under furniture where centipedes and their eggs may be hiding.
- Mop with Vinegar: Use a vinegar-water solution to disinfect moist areas.
- Declutter: Organize storage spaces and discard unnecessary items to reduce hiding places.
- Empty the Vacuum outdoors: Always empty your vacuum outdoors to prevent reintroducing centipedes back into your home.
DIY Traps and Barriers
- Sticky Traps: Place sticky traps along walls and behind furniture to catch centipedes.
- Boric Acid: Apply boric acid powder in hard-to-reach areas. While it’s effective, use it cautiously if you have pets.
- Door Sweeps: install door sweeps to block entry points along the bottom of doors.
When to Call Professionals & Long-Term Maintenance
While DIY methods are effective, there are situations where professional assistance is necessary.
Signs You Need Professional Help
- Frequent sightings of multiple centipedes.
- Persistent bites or allergic reactions.
- Visible egg clusters or infestations.
DIY vs. Professional Pest Control
Method Cost Effectiveness Time Commitment
DIY Cleaning Low High for mild cases Ongoing maintenance
Professional Help Medium, Immediate, and thorough, One-time treatment
FAQs
Are house centipedes poisonous cleaning necessary after a bite?
No, just clean the bite area with soap and water.
What’s the best natural way to repel house centipedes?
Peppermint oil spray combined with regular vacuuming works wonders.
Do house centipedes harm pets?
Rarely. Their venom is too weak to cause serious harm.
